Methods and systems for directing birds away from equipment

ABSTRACT

A system for directing a bird away from equipment includes an emitter configured to transmit a beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound. The beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound is configured to frequency down-convert in the atmosphere to produce a specified audible sound for a bird at a selected distance away from the emitter.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No. ______(Attorney Docket No. 103315-0158), titled “Methods and Systems forDirecting Birds Away from Equipment,” filed Nov. 27, 2012 which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Birds have been known to fly into wind turbines, often resulting in thebird being injured or killed. To repel birds, certain techniques, suchas noise cannons are used, but these methods can quickly becomeineffective when the birds adapt to the steady stimulus.

SUMMARY

One exemplary embodiment relates to a system for directing a bird awayfrom equipment. The system includes an emitter that is configured totransmit a beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound that is configuredto frequency down-convert in the atmosphere to produce a specifiedaudible sound for the bird at a selected distance away from the emitter.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method for directing a bird.The method includes generating an audio-modulated ultrasonic sound beamwith a propagator and transmitting the audio-modulated ultrasonic soundbeam toward a bird with an emitter. The audio-modulated ultrasonic soundbeam is configured to frequency down-convert in the atmosphere to aspecified audible sound for the bird.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a system for directing a birdthat includes a locator that is configured to determine an orientationof at least a portion of the bird and an emitter that is configured todirect a laser beam toward the bird.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method for detecting anddirecting a bird by determining an orientation of at least a portion ofthe bird and emitting a laser beam toward the bird in response to theorientation of the bird.

The foregoing is a summary and thus by necessity containssimplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail. Consequently,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary isillustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Otheraspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/orprocesses described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will becomeapparent in the detailed description set forth herein when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the inventionwill become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detaileddescription presented in connection with accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system with a detector and anemitter, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system with a detector configured todetect a bird, shown according to another embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for directing a bird, shown accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a system of an unmanned aerial vehiclehaving an emitter configured to beam an ultrasonic sound and an on-boarddetector, shown according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a system of an unmanned aerial vehiclehaving an emitter configured to beam an ultrasonic sound and anoff-board detector, shown according to another embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a system of an unmanned aerial vehicle,with an emitter, that is configured to direct a bird, shown according toanother embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a system of unmanned aerial vehicleshaving emitters and detectors configured to direct a bird, shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an unmanned aerial vehicle configuredto project a substance toward a bird, shown according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for directing a bird by operating anunmanned aerial vehicle to interact with birds to direct the bird, shownaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a system with a locator configured todetermine an orientation of at least a portion of the bird and to emit alaser beam toward a bird, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for determining an orientation of atleast a portion of a bird and emitting a laser beam toward the bird inresponse to the orientation of the bird, shown according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a gradient field with an emitterconfigured to direct a bird, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a gradient field with a steering fieldto direct a bird, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a second gradient field used inconnection with a first gradient field that have steering fields todirect a bird, shown according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method of generating and deploying agradient field to direct a bird, shown according to an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method of generating a second gradient fieldused in connection with a first gradient field to direct a bird, shownaccording to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to the Figures, systems and methods for safelydirecting birds outside of a specified area or in a desirable directionare shown and described. While as a matter of convenience, “birds” arereferred to frequently with reference to the examples provided herein,it is to be understood that the various inventive concepts disclosed inthis application are also applicable to other types of flying animals(e.g., bats) and non-flying animals (e.g., squirrels, rabbits, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of system 100 for executing thesystems and methods of the present disclosure is shown, according to anexemplary embodiment. System 100 includes a detector 104, which isconfigured to detect a bird 102 within a specified area using a signal114. For example, detector 104 may be configured to detect the bird 102within a specified radius around a wind tower or wind farm. Detector 104may be configured to identify the type of bird 102. In an exemplaryembodiment, detector 104 is a camera. The camera is configured tocapture images of the bird to determine the type of bird. For example,the camera is configured to capture the wing beats, size, color,appearance, and behavior of the bird. The camera may use an imagingtechnology that senses infrared radiation. The camera may also besimilar to a surveillance camera. Detector 104 may be configured toidentify the type of bird (or other animal).

System 100 includes an emitter 106. Emitter 106 is configured to emit(e.g., beam, transmit, send, etc.) an ultrasonic sound beam 108. Theterm “ultrasonic” applied to sound in this application refers toanything above the audible frequencies of sound for humans (approx. 20kHz). Emitter 106 may be configured to transmit the ultrasonic portionof beam 108 in a specified direction. Emitter 106 may achieve highdirectivity (narrowness) by using ultrasonic sound. The ultrasonic soundhas shorter wavelengths than audible frequency sound, increasing itsdirectivity. The ultrasonic sound beam 102 is configured to demodulateor down-convert from an ultrasonic sound to an audible sound 110 for thebird 102. The audible sound frequency bandwidth is dependent upon thehearing range of the subject. For example, the audible sound range forhumans is in the range of approximately 20 Hz to 20 kHz, but birds andother animals (e.g. bats) have different audible sound frequency ranges.Therefore, the term “audible sound” is not intended to refer to aparticular fixed frequency band and instead simply refers to the rangeof hearing of the subject animal. Modulation is the process of includinginformation (such as a voice) onto a carrier signal, usually sinusoidalin shape, in order to transmit that information. Emitter 106 isconfigured to transmit ultrasonic sound 108, which is thendown-converted (i.e., the frequency of the sound wave decreases) throughthe nonlinear propagation characteristics in air to create an audiblesound 110 at or near the bird 102. This happens when two sound waveswith different frequencies are radiated simultaneously in the samemedium, e.g., air, and a third sound wave having a frequency equal tothe sum and difference of the two waves is produced by the nonlinearinteraction (parametric interaction) of the two sound waves.Accordingly, if the difference between the two ultrasonic sound waves iswithin the audible frequency range for the target animal, an audiblesound is generated by the parametric interaction. The audible soundmodulated into the high frequency ultrasonic carrier sound(audio-modulated sound) may be selected to attract or repel the bird102. For example, a sound of a predator may be selected to repel thebird 102 and a sound of a mate or prey may be selected to direct (e.g.,attract or repel) the bird 102. As another example, the audible soundmay be similar to the mobbing calls (i.e. calls to harass a predator) ofa mobbing species of bird. Such mobbing calls may provide a signal tonearby birds to join in on the mobbing activity and may differ infrequency depending upon the situation. Therefore, the frequency of theaudible sound may be selected (e.g., in a range between 4 kHz and 8 kHz)to promote the desired activity of nearby birds. As yet another example,the audible sound may be specifically configured for use with bats(e.g., similar to warning sounds produced by tiger moths as a defenseagainst bats).

System 100 may include a director 112, which is configured to direct theultrasonic sound beam toward the bird 102 away from an object, such as awind turbine 116.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram of system 200 for executingthe systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown, according toan exemplary embodiment. System 200 includes a detector 204 configuredto detect a bird 202. In an exemplary embodiment, detector 204 isconfigured to determine the location of the bird 202. System 200includes a director 212 to direct the ultrasonic sound beam toward thebird 202 based on the location of the bird 202. The system may includean acoustic detector to determine a location of the audible sound andthat location may be compared to the actual location of the bird 202.The result of the comparison may be used to modify the direction oramplitude of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a flow diagram of method 300 for directing abird is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Method 300 includesdetecting the bird (step 302). In one embodiment, the detector usesradar. Radar is an object-detection system that uses radio waves todetermine the direction, range, altitude, or speed of objects. Inanother embodiment, the detector uses LIDAR. LIDAR is an optical remotesensing technology that can measure the distance to, or other propertiesof a target by illuminating the target with light. For example, it mayuse pulses from a laser. In another embodiment, the detector usesultrasonic sound. In another embodiment, the detector uses a camera ormultiple stereoscopic cameras. Method 300 further includes identifyingthe type of bird (step 304). In one embodiment, the detector identifiesthat the bird is ringed (i.e. tagged with an identifying band) and usesthat information to identify the type of bird. If the detected bird isidentified as a type of bird that should be directed, for example, araptor, the detector will determine the location of the bird (step 308).The word “directing” is used to mean regulate and control or influencethe course of flight of the bird toward a certain desirable area or awayfrom an undesirable area. If the bird is located within the specifiedarea, then the beam will be directed toward the bird (step 310).

The detector is configured to identify the actions of the bird (step314). In one exemplary embodiment, the detector identifies if the birdis flying in a vertical or horizontal direction or toward or away fromthe circumference of the specified area. Based on the actions of thebird, an ultrasonic sound may be selected (step 316), a beam ofultrasonic sound generated (step 318) via, e.g., a propagator, such asan ultrasonic transducer or speaker, and the beam then transmittedtoward the bird (step 320). The ultrasonic sound beam is configured todown-convert to audible sound in the bird or near the bird (step 322).The emitter is configured to direct the beam of ultrasonic sound towardthe bird so that the ultrasonic sound down-converts to an audible sounddirectly in the tissues of the bird's body (i.e., the density of thebird's body acts to down-convert the high frequency ultrasonic sound tolower frequency audible sound). In another embodiment, the emitter isconfigured to beam the ultrasonic sound toward the bird where theatmosphere demodulates or down-converts the ultrasonic sound to audiblesound at or near the bird.

In an alternative embodiment, a first emitter transmits a firstultrasonic sound beam and a second emitter transmits a second ultrasonicsound beam. These beams may be co-propagating or they may be emittedfrom different directions. The down-conversion occurs where the beamsare co-focused or intersect. The emitters are configured to beamultrasonic sound that down-converts or demodulates to audible sound whenthe beams overlap either in the bird or near the bird.

Now referring to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of system 400 for executingthe systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown, according toan exemplary embodiment. System 400 includes an unmanned aerial vehicle404 having an on-board detector 408. The unmanned aerial vehicle 404 mayhave an appearance selected to influence bird 402 (e.g., an appearancesimilar to a predator of bird 402). In some instances the unmannedaerial vehicle 404 may change appearance depending upon the type of bird402. The unmanned aerial vehicle 404 may also have a method of flightselected to influence bird 402 (e.g., a flight pattern similar to apredator of bird 402 and that may be changed depending upon the type ofbird 402). In one embodiment, detector 408 uses radar. In anotherembodiment, detector 408 uses LIDAR. In another embodiment, detector 408uses ultrasonic sound. In another embodiment, detector 408 uses acamera. The camera, for example, is configured to detect signal 412 andlocate the bird 402.

System 400 includes a pilot system that is configured to controlunmanned aerial vehicle 404 and navigate unmanned aerial vehicle 404based on the type, location, and actions of the bird. In an exemplaryembodiment, unmanned aerial vehicle 404 is a robot that can operatewithout the need for a human controller. In another embodiment, unmannedaerial vehicle 404 is a robot receiving automatic instructions from asensor grid. In another embodiment, unmanned aerial vehicle 404 may beremotely piloted by a person. Actions are determined by the operatorbased upon either direct visual observation or remote viewing through acamera. System 400 further includes unmanned aerial vehicle 404 with anemitter 406 that is configured to transmit an ultrasonic beam 410 towardthe bird 402. In another exemplary embodiment, the unmanned aerialvehicle may include a monitor (e.g., video camera) to documentencounters between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the bird 402. Themonitor may include a recorder so that video or other data is preservedfor later review. In this embodiment, the encounter recorder may be usedto document adherence to protocols selected to avoid harming the bird402 (e.g., external protocols or regulations set by governmentalentities).

Now referring to FIG. 5, a schematic diagram of system 500 for executingthe systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown, according toan exemplary embodiment. System 500 includes unmanned aerial vehicle 504having an off-board detector 508. The off-board detector 508 may belocated on the ground or on another object. In one embodiment, detector508 uses radar. In another embodiment, detector 508 uses LIDAR. Inanother embodiment, detector 508 uses ultrasonic sound. In anotherembodiment, detector 508 uses a camera. The camera, for example, isconfigured to detect a signal 512 to locate the bird 502. Once thelocation of the bird 512 is identified, the system 500 may determine theproximity of the bird 512 to the equipment. The proximity may then beused to determine further actions. System 500 includes a pilot systemthat is configured to control unmanned aerial vehicle 504 and isconfigured to navigate unmanned aerial vehicle 504 based on the type,location, and actions of the bird. Detector 508 communicates withunmanned aerial vehicle 504 via a signal 514.

System 500 includes unmanned aerial vehicle 504 with an emitter 506 thatis configured to transmit an ultrasonic sound beam 510 toward the bird502. In a variation of system 500, the detector 508 or a second detectoris a acoustic detector used to detect the audible sound created via thefrequency down-conversion of the ultrasonic sound beam 510. The acousticdetector may be used to determine a location of the audible sound andthat location may be compared to the actual location of the bird 502.The result of the comparison may be used to modify the direction oramplitude of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a schematic diagram of system 600 for executingthe systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown, according toan exemplary embodiment. System 600 includes unmanned aerial vehicle 604and detector 608. Detector 608 is off-board of unmanned aerial vehicle604. Off-board detector 608 may be located on the ground, on anotherdevice, or in another location other than attached to unmanned aerialvehicle 604. In one embodiment, detector 608 uses radar. In anotherembodiment, detector 608 uses LIDAR. In another embodiment, detector 608uses ultrasonic sound. In another embodiment, detector 608 uses acamera. The camera, for example, may detect the signal 612 to locate thebird 602. System 600 includes a pilot system that is configured tocontrol unmanned aerial vehicle 604 and is configured to navigateunmanned aerial vehicle 604 based on the type, location, and actions ofthe bird. Detector 608 communicates with unmanned aerial vehicle 604 viasignal 614. In another embodiment, detector 608 is on-board unmannedaerial vehicle 604. Unmanned aerial vehicle 604 is configured tonavigate toward the bird 602 based on the type, location (e.g. locationrelative to equipment), and actions of the bird in order to direct thebird 602 to fly outside of a specified area.

Now referring to FIG. 7, a schematic diagram of system 700 for executingthe systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown, according toan exemplary embodiment. System 700 includes first unmanned aerialvehicle 704 including emitter 706 and detector 708 and second unmannedaerial vehicle 714 including emitter 716 and detector 718. System 700includes a pilot system that is configured to control unmanned aerialvehicles 704 and 714 based on the type, location, and actions of thebird. First emitter 706 and second emitter 716 are configured tocooperatively work together to beam a first ultrasonic sound 710 and asecond ultrasonic sound 720 toward the bird 702 to direct the bird 702outside of a specified area.

System 700 includes first unmanned aerial vehicle 704 having on-boarddetector 708 and second unmanned aerial vehicle 714 having on-boarddetector 718. In one embodiment, detector 708 or detector 718 usesradar. In another embodiment, detector 708 or detector 718 uses LIDAR.In another embodiment, detector 708 or detector 718 includes ultrasonicsound. In another embodiment, the detector 708 or detector 718 uses acamera. The camera, for example is configured to detect signal 712 orsignal 722 and locate the bird 702. In another embodiment, the camerahas a detection system configured to instantly detect that the bird 702is present. In another embodiment, the detector is an off-board detectorconfigured to communicate with one or more unmanned aerial vehicles.

In another embodiment, first unmanned aerial vehicle 704 and secondunmanned aerial vehicle 714 are configured to navigate toward the bird702 based on the type, location, and actions of the bird in order todirect the bird 702 to fly outside of a specified area. The movementtoward the bird may startle the bird and direct it to fly away from theunmanned aerial vehicles.

Now referring to FIG. 8, a schematic diagram of system 800 for executingthe systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown, according toan exemplary embodiment. System 800 includes unmanned aerial vehicle 804and projector 806 configured to project a substance 808 toward a bird802. In one embodiment, substance 808 is an odorant. In anotherembodiment, substance 808 may be an aerosol. In another embodiment,substance 808 may be paint. In another embodiment, substance 808 may bewater. In another embodiment, substance 808 may be a light beam.Projector 806 is configured to project substance 808 toward the bird 802to startle it and direct the bird out of a specified area or directionof flight. In various embodiments, unmanned aerial vehicle 804 may havean attractive design, for example, a painting of a rabbit or a smallbird, to attract the bird 802 toward the unmanned aerial vehicle 804.Unmanned aerial vehicle 804 is generally configured to direct the bird802 outside of a specified area.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a flow diagram of method 900 for directing abird by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle to interact with the birdis shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The unmanned aerialvehicle is configured to detect the bird (step 902) and determine thelocation of the bird (step 904). The unmanned aerial vehicle isconfigured to direct the bird. For example, the unmanned aerial vehiclemay use various systems and methods to encourage the bird to fly in adesired direction away from an object, such as a wind turbine, which maycause it harm. In one embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle may beconfigured to navigate robotically. In another embodiment, the unmannedaerial vehicle may be configured to be piloted remotely. The unmannedaerial vehicle may act in a similar manner to a goalie. For example, theunmanned aerial vehicle may be configured to hover between the bird andan object, such as a wind turbine, to block the bird from flying intothe object and to direct the bird around the unmanned aerial vehicle andan object. The unmanned aerial vehicle may fly toward the bird to directthe bird away from itself. In one embodiment, the intensity of theactions of the unmanned aerial vehicle may be increased as the bird getscloser to the object (e.g. larger darting motions, more threateningactions, etc.).

The detector determines if the bird is within a specified area (step908). If the bird is flying within a specified area, the unmanned aerialvehicle may use a stimulus to direct the bird (step 910). In oneembodiment, the stimulus is a light, which flashes as the unmannedaerial vehicle navigates toward or away from the bird. In anotherembodiment, the stimulus is sound, which emits as the unmanned aerialvehicle navigates toward the bird. In another embodiment, the stimulusis a substance. For example, the substance may be an odorant, anaerosol, paint, or water. In another embodiment, the unmanned aerialvehicle is designed to attract the bird with a stimulus and direct thebird outside of a specified area. For example, the emitter may play asound of prey or a mate or the unmanned aerial vehicle includes apicture of a prey on it. After the stimulus is used on the bird, thedetector determines the location of the bird (step 904) and the processcontinues as described above until the bird is no longer detected withinthe specified area.

In another embodiment, the unmanned aerial vehicle includes a sensor tomonitor the proximity of the unmanned aerial vehicle to the bird. Thesensor (e.g., a camera, a radar) can be used to report and/or record theinteraction of the unmanned aerial vehicle with the bird. This recordmay be used to document that the encounter does (or does not) complywith protocols selected to avoid harming the bird. If the unmannedaerial vehicle is within a specified distance of the bird, the unmannedaerial vehicle will be configured to navigate away from the bird. In oneembodiment, the sensor is on-board of the unmanned aerial vehicle. Inanother embodiment, the sensor is off-board of the unmanned aerialvehicle.

Now referring to FIG. 10, a schematic diagram of system 1000 forexecuting the systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. System 1000 includes a system witha locator 1004 to determine an orientation of at least a portion of abird 1002, a director 1012 to move a beam 1014, and an emitter 1010 totransmit the beam 1014 toward the bird 1002. In another embodiment,system 1000 includes a light. In another embodiment, system 1000includes a speaker. Locator 1004 determines the orientation of the bird1002. For example, locator 1004 may determine the head or eyeorientation of the bird 1002 using a sensor 1022 that detects thedirection of the head or eyes of the bird 1002. If the bird 1002 is notorientated toward the emitter 1010, then the emitter 1010 may use astimulus to attract the attention of the bird 1002. For example, thestimulus may be a beam 1014 of low-intensity light or a sound to attractthe bird's attention, to attract its gaze, and then to give itdirection. If the head 1006 or eyes 1008 of the bird 1002 are orientatedin the direction of the emitter 1010, then locator 1004 will signal 1020director 1012 to move in the direction of the head 1008 or eyes 1006 ofthe bird 1002. The emitter 1010 may generate and transmit the signal1014 at the head 1008 or eyes 1006 of the bird.

In one embodiment, system 1000 includes sensor 1022 configured tomonitor the intensity of beam 1016 to ensure that power stays withinspecified limits to prevent injury to the bird 1002. In anotherembodiment, sensor 1022 is configured to monitor a reflection of thebeam 1024 to ensure that power stays within specified limits.

Now referring to FIG. 11, a flow diagram of method 1100 for determiningan orientation of at least a portion of a bird and emitting a beamtoward the bird in response to the orientation of the bird is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. A detector is configured to detectthe bird within a specified area (step 1102). A locator is configured todetermine the orientation of the bird (step 1104). For example, thelocator is configured to determine the orientation of a head of thebird. The locator is configured to determine an orientation of the eyesof the bird (step 1106). For example, the locator is configured todetermine the orientation of the gaze of the bird. If the gaze of thebird is not toward the emitter, then the system may select a stimulus toattract the gaze of the bird (step 1110) and then the emitter maygenerate and transmit the stimulus toward the bird (step 1112). Thelocator will again determine the orientation of the head (step 1104) andeyes (step 1106) of the bird.

In one embodiment, the system is configured to determine the type ofbird. If the gaze of the bird is toward the emitter, then the system mayselect a color of a beam (step 1114), an intensity of the beam (step1116), and a time-modulating beam (step 1118), based on the type ofbird. Once selected, the director will orient the beam in the directionof the eye of the bird (step 1120). The laser beam will be generated(step 1122) and transmitted toward the eye of the bird (step 1124).

The system is configured to determine the actions of the bird (step1126). If the bird is flying in a preferred direction (step 1128), thenthe sensor will monitor one or more of the following aspects of thelaser beam: power, reflection, or intensity (step 1130). The sensor isconfigured to determine if the power, reflection, or intensity arewithin the desired ranges (step 1132). If these are not within thedesired ranges, the emitter will adjust the power of the laser beam(step 1134) and the system will determine if the bird is flying in adesired direction (step 1128). The power, reflection, or intensity willbe monitored (step 1130) and if these are within a desirable range (step1132), the system will continue to determine the actions of the bird(step 1126) and proceed with the above steps until the bird is outsideof a specified area.

Now referring to FIG. 12, a schematic diagram of system 1200 forexecuting the systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. System 1200 includes a gradientfield with first emitter 1202 and second emitter 1204, which areconfigured to direct a bird. System 1200 includes a low gradient field1206, a first high gradient field 1210, and a second high gradient field1212. Emitter 1202 and emitter 1204 are configured to work cooperativelytogether to generate a high gradient field in an area that the bird isbeing directed away from and a low gradient field where the bird isdirected toward. In another embodiment, system 1200 includes a directorconfigured to move the emitters beaming the gradient fields with respectto the bird in order to steer the bird outside of a specified area.

In one exemplary embodiment, system 1200 may include a speaker. Emitter1202 may be configured to beam a sound 1214 in a direction and emitter1204 may be configured to beam a sound 1218 in a direction to create agradient field of sound. The gradient may represent differences in theintensity of the sound or in the frequency, i.e., pitch, of the light.In one embodiment the gradient field of sound is configured to betransmitted in such a way that the intensity is high in an area the birdshould not be in and low in an area the bird is being directed toward.For example, the beam of sound may be ultrasound with a high gradient ofsound transmitted toward the bird 1202 to direct it to fly in anotherdirection with a low gradient field of sound.

In another embodiment, system 1200 may include a light. Emitter 1202 maybe configured to beam light 1214 in a direction and emitter 1204 may beconfigured to beam light 1218 in a direction to create a gradient fieldof light. The gradient may represent differences in the intensity of thelight or in the frequency, i.e., color, of the light. In one embodimentthe gradient field of light is configured to be transmitted in such away that the intensity is high in an area the bird should not be in andlow in an area the bird is being directed toward. In one embodiment,system 1200 is configured to receive a first light signal 1216 and asecond light signal 1220. System 1200 may include a camera to track thelocation of the bird.

In one exemplary embodiment, system 1200 includes a material. Emitter1202 is configured to beam a material 1214 in a direction and emitter1204 is configured to beam material 1218 in a direction to create agradient field of material. The gradient field of material is configuredto be transmitted in such a way that the amount of material is high inan area the bird should not be in and low in an area the bird is beingdirected toward. In an exemplary embodiment, the material field includeswater. In another embodiment, the material field includes steam. Inanother embodiment, the material field includes dust. For example, thedust may include talc.

In one exemplary embodiment, system 1200 includes the gradient field asa function of time. In another embodiment, system 1200 includes thegradient field as a function of space.

Now referring to FIG. 13, a schematic diagram of system 1300 forexecuting the systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. System 1300 includes a gradientfield with a steering field to direct a bird 1302. System 1300 includesan emitter 1304 configured to emit a gradient field 1306, and a director1312 configured to direct the gradient field 1306 toward the bird 1302.The gradient field 1306 includes an area with a high gradient field 1310and an area with a low gradient field 1308. In one embodiment, thegradient field is in a conical shape, such that the low region of thegradient field 1308 is in close proximity to the bird 1302 and the highregion of the gradient field 1310 is in the area surrounding the lowregion of the gradient field 1308 and the bird 1302. The director 1312is configured to steer the gradient fields surrounding the bird 1302 inorder to direct the bird 1302 outside of a specified area.

Now referring to FIG. 14, a schematic diagram of system 1400 forexecuting the systems and methods of the present disclosure is shown,according to an exemplary embodiment. System 1400 includes a pluralityof systems 1300 working in connection with each other to direct a bird1402. A first director 1414 and a second director 1416 are configured tomove a first beam 1406 and a second beam 1410, respectively, toward thebird 1402. First emitter 1404 is configured to transmit a first gradientfield 1406 and second emitter 1408 is configured to transmit a secondgradient field 1410 toward the bird 1402. The gradient field includes anarea with a high gradient field 1416 and an area with a low gradientfield 1418 and are configured to move cooperatively to create a steeringfield to direct the bird 1402 outside of a specified area.

Now referring to FIG. 15, a flow diagram of method 1500 of generatingand deploying a gradient field to direct a bird is shown, according toan exemplary embodiment. System 1500 is configured to detect if a birdto be directed is within a specified area (step 1502). If present,system 1500 is configured to select a gradient field (step 1504),generate a gradient field (step 1506), and deploy a gradient fieldtoward the bird (step 1508). System 1500 is configured to monitor thelocation of the bird (step 1510) and direct the gradient field based onthe location of the bird (step 1512). System 1500 is configured todirect the bird outside of a specified area by using at least onegradient field. The gradient field may include a low region and a highregion, in which system 1500 is configured to beam the low region of thegradient field in close proximity to the bird and the high region of thegradient field surrounding the low gradient field, which creates asteering field to direct the bird along a desired path.

Now referring to FIG. 16, a flow diagram of method 1600 of generating asecond gradient field used in connection with a first gradient field todirect a bird is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. System1600 is configured to detect if a bird to be directed is within aspecified area near a first emitter (step 1602). If present, system 1600is configured to select a gradient field (step 1604), generate agradient field (step 1606), and deploy the gradient field toward thebird (step 1608). System 1600 is configured to detect if a bird to bedirected is within a specified area near a second emitter (step 1610).If present, system 1600 is configured to select a gradient field (step1612), generate a gradient field (step 1614), and deploy the gradientfield toward the bird (step 1616).

System 1600 is configured to monitor the location of the bird (step1618) and direct the gradient field based on the location of the bird(step 1620). System 1600 is configured to direct the bird outside of aspecified area by using more than one gradient field. The gradientfields may include a low region and a high region, in which system 1600is configured to transmit the low region of the gradient field in closeproximity to the bird and the high region of the gradient fieldsurrounding the low gradient field, which creates a steering field todirect the bird along a desired path.

In one exemplary embodiment, the system monitors the number of birds ithas protected or influenced. For example, the number of birds that thesystem has detected and directed away from a wind turbine would becounted.

The construction and arrangement of the elements of the systems andmethods as shown in the exemplary embodiments are illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have beendescribed in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosurewill readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g.,variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions ofthe various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, useof materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited.For example, elements as integrally formed may be constructed ofmultiple parts or elements. The elements and assemblies may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength of durability, in a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations.

Although the figures may show or the description may provide a specificorder of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what isdepicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or withpartial concurrence. Such variation will depend on various factors,including software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice.All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations could be accomplished with standard programmingtechniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish thevarious connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps anddecision steps.

Additionally, in the subject description, the word “exemplary” is usedto mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any embodimentor design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word “exemplary” is intended to presentconcepts in a concrete manner. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Theorder or sequence of any processor method steps may be varied orre-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions,modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design,operating conditions, and arrangement of the preferred and otherexemplary embodiments without departing from scope of the presentdisclosure or from the scope of the appended claims. Although thefigures show a specific order of method steps, the order of the stepsmay differ from what is depicted. Also, two or more steps may beperformed concurrently or with partial concurrence.

1. A system for directing a bird away from equipment, comprising: anemitter configured to transmit a beam of audio-modulated ultrasonicsound, wherein the beam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound isconfigured to frequency down-convert in the atmosphere to produce aspecified audible sound for the bird at a selected distance away fromthe emitter.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the audio-modulation ofthe audio-modulated ultrasonic sound is selected based upon the specificaudible sound.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a detector configured to detect the bird.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the detector is configured to identify the type ofbird.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the specified audible sound isselected based on the type of the bird.
 7. The system of claim 5,wherein the detector is configured to differentiate between a singlebird and a flock of birds.
 8. The system of claim 5, wherein thedetector is configured to identify the bird as a raptor.
 9. The systemof claim 4, wherein the detector is configured to determine a locationof the bird.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a directorconfigured to direct the beam based on the location of the bird.
 11. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the audible sound is selected based on thelocation of the bird.
 12. The system of claim 4, wherein the detector isconfigured to determine a direction of travel of the bird.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, further comprising a director configured to directthe beam based on the direction of travel of the bird.
 14. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the audible sound is selected based on the directionof travel of the bird. 15-18. (canceled)
 19. The system of claim 1,further comprising a director configured to direct the beam toward thebird.
 20. The system of claim 1, wherein the emitter transmits theultrasonic sound toward the bird in response to detecting the bird. 21.The system of claim 1, wherein the emitter transmits the ultrasonicsound toward the bird based upon the location of the bird.
 22. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic sound beam down-convertsthrough the atmosphere to a specified audible sound that repels thebird.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the specified audible sound issimilar to that of a predator of the bird.
 24. The system of claim 22,wherein the specified audible sound is similar to the mobbing calls of amobbing species of bird
 25. The system of claim 1, wherein theultrasonic sound down-converts to a specified audible sound thatattracts the bird.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the specifiedaudible sound is similar to that of a prey of the bird.
 27. The systemof claim 25, wherein the specified audible sound is similar to that of apotential mate of the bird.
 28. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a second emitter configured to transmit a second beam ofultrasonic sound through the atmosphere, wherein the frequencydown-conversion to produce the audible sound is responsive to anonlinear interaction of the second beam of ultrasonic sound with thebeam of audio-modulated ultrasonic sound in an interaction region of theatmosphere.
 29. The system of claim 1, further comprising an acousticdetector configured to detect the audible sound.
 30. The system of claim29, wherein the acoustic detector is configured to determine a locationof the audible sound.
 31. The system of claim 30, wherein the locationof the audible sound is compared to a location of the bird.
 32. Thesystem of claim 31, further comprising a director configured to directthe beam based on the comparison.
 33. A method for directing a bird,comprising: generating an audio-modulated ultrasonic sound beam with apropagator; and transmitting the audio-modulated ultrasonic sound beamtoward a bird with an emitter, wherein the audio-modulated ultrasonicsound beam is configured to frequency down-convert in the atmosphere toa specified audible sound for the bird.
 34. The method of claim 33,wherein the generating step includes selecting the audio-modulation ofthe ultrasonic sound beam based upon the specific audible sound.
 35. Themethod of claim 33, further comprising influencing the flight path ofthe bird with the audible sound.
 36. The method of claim 33, furthercomprising detecting the bird with a detector. 37-40. (canceled)
 41. Themethod of claim 36, wherein the detector is configured to detect aringed bird.
 42. The method of claim 36, wherein the detector isconfigured to determine a direction of travel of the bird. 43-44.(canceled)
 45. The method of claim 36, further comprising directing thebeam toward the bird based upon detecting the bird.
 46. The method ofclaim 36, further comprising identifying the bird type, and selectingthe audible sound to be modulated into the ultrasonic sound beam basedupon the bird type.
 47. The method of claim 36, further comprisingselecting the audible sound to be modulated into the ultrasonic soundbeam to repel the bird.
 48. The method of claim 36, further comprisingselecting the audible sound to be modulated into the ultrasonic soundbeam to be similar to that of a predator of the bird.
 49. The method ofclaim 36, further comprising selecting the audible sound to be modulatedinto the ultrasonic sound beam to be similar to the mobbing calls of amobbing species of bird.
 50. The method of claim 36, further comprisingselecting the audible sound to be modulated into the ultrasonic soundbeam to attract the bird.
 51. The method of claim 36, further comprisingselecting the audible sound to be modulated into the ultrasonic soundbeam to be similar to that of a prey of the bird.
 52. The method ofclaim 36, further comprising selecting the audible sound to be modulatedinto the ultrasonic sound beam to be similar to that of a mate of thebird.
 53. The method of claim 36, further comprising tracking the birdwith the detector.
 54. The method of claim 53, further comprisingchanging the audible sound modulated into the ultrasonic sound beambased upon a tracked location of the bird.
 55. The method of claim 36,further comprising changing the audible sound modulated into theultrasonic sound beam based upon an action of the bird. 56-69.(canceled)
 70. A system for directing a bird, comprising: a locatorconfigured to determine an orientation of at least a portion of thebird; and an emitter configured to direct a laser beam toward the bird.71-115. (canceled)